Bell peppers, on the other hand, have a sweet and mild flavor, with no spiciness. The sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the pepper, which are more prominent in ripe peppers. Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, including green, red, yellow, and orange, and each color has a slightly different flavor profile. Green bell peppers are the least sweet and have a slightly bitter taste, while red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter and have a more fruity flavor. Bell peppers are commonly used in Mediterranean, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisine, and are a key ingredient in dishes such as fajitas, ratatouille, and stuffed peppers.

The Scoville Scale was developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist from the United States. To determine the SHU, an exact weight of hot pepper is dissolved in alcohol to extract the capsaicinoids components. These components are then diluted in a solution of sugar water and decreasing concentrations are given to a panel of trained tasters until a majority can no longer detect them in a diluted form. The heat level is then rated based on this dilution in multiples of 100 SHU. This system was initially purely organoleptic but nowadays is measured using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) to prevent any deviation from sensory fatigue or the chosen panel´s resistance.

As with paprika powder, ground cayenne pepper powder is made from ground dried peppers. These rich red peppers give the spice its vibrant color.

Hot or spicy paprika is, of course, hot and spicy. You may also see hot paprika referred to as Hungarian paprika. It’s not as hot as pure cayenne pepper, but it can definitely pack a punch, adding a spicy kick to almost any dish. Hungarian paprika comes in eight different varieties, each with varying degrees of heat and flavour, but the most common is édesnemes – known for its pungent, peppery flavour and sweetness.

Paprika spice is categorized based on its heat level, color intensity, and processing method. Hungarian paprika is renowned for its quality and variety, ranging from delicate to hot, with a spectrum of flavors in between. Spanish paprika, or pimentón, offers smoked varieties that elevate dishes with its distinctive smoky aroma and flavor. Paprika spice blends, such as sweet and spicy combinations, provide versatility for diverse culinary creations.

Hot sauce shines when used as a table condiment or added to recipes that call for a spicy kick. It's great with eggs, tacos, and soups, and also as a marinade for grilling.

Apart from different varieties of peppers, such as black, white, and cayenne pepper, cajun spice contains other spices and herbs. They can include onion powder, garlic powder, salt, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

In addition to the climate and soil conditions, Yidu's dried chili exporters also benefit from the region's rich agricultural tradition. Many farmers in the area have been growing chili peppers for generations, passing down traditional knowledge and techniques that have been refined over time. This expertise, combined with modern farming practices and technology, allows Yidu's dried chili exporters to produce some of the best dried chili peppers in the world.

Other than sambal oelek, you can go for chili paste, crushed chili flakes or even cayenne pepper to replace sriracha. Although these substitutes may not be hot enough, neither do they have the same thick consistency as Sriracha, yet will serve the same basic purpose.

The taste and flavor profile of red paprika is very different from that of red chili powder. Red chili powder has an earthy and pungent taste. It is rarely used alone, but added to other spices and condiments in any dish. Depending on the kind of red chili powder used, it brings some degree of heat to the food.

Smoked Paprika adds authentic flavor to Spanish-style paellas. It's a key ingredient in Spanish chorizo and dry-cured lomo pork loin. In American cuisine La Vera Smoked Hot Paprika has become a secret ingredient used in pork barbecues, chicken kebabs, and hearty beef and lamb stews.